There's something wrong with me

Chapter 220: Is This the 'Netherworld'?

'Came to the right place?'

Zhang Feng found it strange, feeling as though he had stumbled into an incredible 'institutional secret exploration'.

"Good, there are ghosts..."

Another staff member excitedly opened his backpack, took out a 'gray cube', and a copied document.

Zhang Feng looked over and saw that the document was written in a script he didn't understand, different from any civilized writing he had ever seen.

As for this cube.

Zhang Feng felt it was very strange.

Because it seemed 'alive?'

Truly, under everyone's gaze, it was rotating very slightly in the staff member's hand.

But upon closer inspection with Spiritual Sense, it was dead.

The reason it was rotating was that it was being affected by the surrounding malevolent energy, causing a kind of unconscious deflection.

He probed its interior again with Spiritual Sense.

Zhang Feng saw a very ingenious malevolent energy gathering formation.

It was like a refined form of 'individual compression', indirectly enhancing the malevolent energy gathering effect.

Its powerful gathering ability also caused it to be swayed by the malevolent energy, resulting in a slight deflection.

A formation that could make a physical object rotate simply by gathering energy was indeed powerful.

It was like, if his previous talismans were like stabbing with the blade of a knife, this was like pricking with the tip.

Using invisible energy to affect a physical object.

Although the comparison was a bit exaggerated, if he could learn this compressed structure, it would increase the effectiveness of his techniques.

Just like a compression formation.

However, a compression formation was an overall arrangement of thousands or tens of thousands of talismans, whereas this was precise down to a single talisman.

It seemed there were 'experts' in this world.

And looking at this familiar rune drawing.

Zhang Feng felt he should be 'Yangshan Zhenren'.

However, the copied documents in the staff member's hand were all in incomprehensible text.

Including within this maze, there was no related 'Rune Technology'.

This proved that such an absurd maze was not the work of Yangshan Zhenren.

While thinking, Zhang Feng was also waiting for the staff member to continue, to see what he would say.

After the staff member took out the document and the cube, he was just waiting, not knowing what he was waiting for.

To be honest, given Zhang Feng's personality, if it weren't for everyone at the start being useful, plus the fact that he was a good person.

Then he would be grabbing him by the neck and interrogating him now.

At the same time.

When everyone saw the staff member waiting for something, they didn't speak up to disturb him.

However, during the wait, the dozen or so security personnel were a mix of fear and curiosity.

Zhang Feng found them interesting when he saw how they were.

Clearly afraid, yet they retained some professional ethics and didn't just run away.

Of course, normal people also knew there was strength in numbers; if they ran off blindly alone, and there really were ghosts, it would be the end for them.

Furthermore, no ghosts had appeared yet.

Thus, the danger responses honed by the long training of these security personnel still led them to make decisions relatively different from ordinary people.

If they were ordinary people in a horror movie, they would already be screaming and running around wildly, only to be picked off one by one by fierce ghosts.

Zhang Feng was especially curious about one thing: these security personnel likely didn't know what their objective was.

Currently, only Ha Ge was deep in thought about something.

Zhou Dage, on the other hand, started eating directly; the food in the pot was cooked.

These people, their behavior was a bit strange.

If it weren't for the fact that they were all living people.

Zhang Feng would even think they were the ghosts.

It was truly abnormal.

But if one were to say they were thick-skinned, then it would be normal.

But Zhang Feng didn't know.

In everyone's eyes now, the strangest person was actually Zhang Feng.

Because three hours ago, Zhang Feng had been muttering about going back and saying reproachful things.

But now he was 'gloomy' and completely silent, the kind of stillness that fully blended into the crowd.

Even Ha Ge, who seemed equally silent, would occasionally look at Zhang Feng, wondering if Zhang Feng had been 'swapped' by a fierce ghost.

"Here, Brother Zhang."

At this moment, Zhou Dage handed Zhang Feng an aluminum box lined with cloth containing cooked vegetable and meat porridge, saying, "Be careful, it's hot."

"Thanks, Old Zhou." Zhang Feng took it, blew on it a couple of times, and started eating directly.

Although spiritual energy could compensate for the consumption of physical strengthening, having an empty stomach was still uncomfortable.

'He's human...' Zhou Dage saw Zhang Feng eating, and since no food was spilling out, he exchanged a glance with Ha Ge secretly.

This small action didn't escape Zhang Feng's notice either.

Zhang Feng's Spiritual Sense was currently extended five meters, covering everyone around him.

He also knew they were testing him.

Similarly, after he cultivated further and his Spiritual Sense range expanded further, even if everyone couldn't find a way out, he could 'see through' and forcefully break through.

But he couldn't do that now; more of his spiritual energy was needed to check the surroundings and be used on himself to improve his physique.

Maintaining Spiritual Sense also consumed energy.

If the situation weren't unusual now, he wouldn't even extend his Spiritual Sense half a meter.

After all, the naked eye could see further than Spiritual Sense.

And if there really were dangers underground or within the walls.

With his extremely high reaction ability and his sense of vibrations from the ground contact, he could quickly determine the direction of the danger.

Since Zhang Feng dared to cultivate with all his might like this, he naturally had a perfect strategy for dealing with crises.

As everyone successively suppressed their nervousness and began to eat while ensuring their physical strength.

When the meal was finished.

About ten minutes passed.

Ha Ge said to the staff member who had been holding the cube, "The malevolent energy here has been completely absorbed."

"Okay." The staff member put the cube back into his backpack.

After putting it away, he looked at the probing gazes of everyone, then looked at Zhang Feng and Zhou Dage, before unfolding the copied document and saying:

"Actually, at first, I wasn't sure about the situation here, so I thought about keeping the information hidden for now."

"After all, if I told you there were ghosts here, that it was the legendary 'Netherworld ruins', would you still come?"

"There really are ghosts..."

"Boss... please don't scare me..."

"Netherworld? Is it the Netherworld from myths..."

When the security personnel heard this and saw the Boss nod, they felt no excitement from knowing the secret; instead, they became even more frightened.

But seeing the Boss and Ha Ge handling it with ease, they didn't utter a single curse.

However, if fierce ghosts descended and everyone was about to die, and then the staff member said these things.

Then a small number of them would first shoot the Boss in the legs, making him cover the rear to buy time for their own escape.

As for the 'Netherworld' statement.

They asked, but they didn't quite believe it.

"So you dragged me into this first?" Zhou Dage chuckled and shook his head at the Boss's frankness. "Ha Ge and I knew each other before and have explored many strange ancient ruins."

We've seen wandering spirits and wild ghosts before.

And when you hired me back then, and I saw Ha Ge again, I knew it was a similar ancient ruin."

Zhou Dage spoke of these matters, and although he heard that he had been tricked into coming, he wasn't angry.

Because he had heard from Ha Ge before and knew that the place they were exploring this time was a strange ruin like the previous ones, so he was somewhat prepared, which was why he ate calmly earlier.

"Old Zhou, this time is different." Ha Ge shook his head after Zhou Dage finished speaking.

"I initially thought it was just a usual strange ancient ruin, but now it seems it might truly be the rumored 'mythical ruin', the legendary Netherworld..."

'Netherworld?' Zhang Feng heard these words and more or less understood.

So, they had gone to hell.

Then what was this maze? A Bridge of Helplessness version of the 'Helpless Maze', or a 'Meng Po Maze'?

"I'll briefly tell you about the document."

Since the Boss was going to be frank, and seeing that there wasn't much commotion among the crowd, he pointed to the document at this point.

"This script, it is actually also a human script."

According to records in ancient texts, it should be 'Yama Script'.

Created by 'The Great Yama', a 'Qi cultivator' from ancient times.

In modern understanding, each segment of its text largely corresponds to our human genetic chain."

The Boss said, becoming more and more outlandish under the bewildered gaze of the security personnel:

"What if I told you that the legendary Ox-Head and Horse-Face from ancient times really existed, and the Netherworld also truly existed?"

"And that Ox-Head, Horse-Face, and Black and White Impermanence were originally living, breathing people, ordinary people, would you believe it?"

"People?"

"Those mythical figures and this Netherworld, they really exist?"

"Boss, you..."

Everyone felt their scalps tingle, feeling that this was too much to overturn their worldview.

"These are all hidden secrets in history; it's very normal that you don't know."

Another staff member chimed in at this point, "Do you think ancient people were stupid?

You should know that our Great Xia first produced the Four Great Inventions, which were later spread to the West, which was full of barbarians; these are undeniable facts.

Of course, this isn't to say that because we had the Four Great Inventions, we can be arrogant and dwell on one thing for thousands of years.

Rather, it's to prove that our ancestors were very intelligent.

They were proficient in all sorts of strange and wonderful techniques.

Among them, 'The Great Yama', a Qi cultivator from fifteen hundred years ago, used the Yama techniques he created to reverse genetic sequences, achieving the revival of mythical creatures and building the 'Netherworld'.

A thousand years ago, Yangshan Zhenren, a Taoist who achieved enlightenment and practiced Qi, created the mythical 'Celestial Palace'.

And what we are doing now.

Is to find the Celestial Palace through the clues from the Netherworld."

'Celestial Palace? Netherworld?'

Everyone was completely bewildered, having no knowledge of these matters or these secrets.

They even wondered, if technology was so advanced back then, why has it become like this now?

This logic doesn't hold.

But Zhang Feng believed it when he heard the name 'Yangshan Zhenren'.

Even the illogical parts were easy to explain.

Because, if there really were two enlightened experts who suddenly went into seclusion a thousand years ago and disappeared from public view.

In an era without cameras, and considering that seemingly no cultivation techniques were left in this world.

Then it would certainly be just baseless folk tales.

What remains is just rumor spreading, which is very normal.

Not to mention that a thousand years have passed; anyone who believes this now must have a screw loose.

Listening to the Boss and the agency personnel, it seems there are no written records in historical annals.

Furthermore, even if there were records, they were written by humans.

So not believing is correct, it's normal logic.

Then by the same token.

Zhang Feng also knew what these 'ancient creatures' were.

Eight out of ten, they are the 'Ox-Headed and Horse-Faced' and 'Black and White Impermanence' of the Netherworld.

Also, there is no mention of the Celestial Palace outside the main plot.

But he wanted to look for it himself.

If he could learn all of Yangshan Zhenren's compression techniques, it would indirectly reduce his deduction time, allowing him to invest in other research faster.

As for this Netherworld gene.

It should be 'biological technology' and 'gene recombination technology'.

This is quite sinister.

And based on the general human relations and principles of ancient times, this must be distorted.

The Great Yama's 'retirement from the world' is understandable.

Even in modern times, it would be an exceptionally twisted project.

But Zhang Feng wanted to learn it.

And at this moment, Zhang Feng also looked at Ha Ge who was deep in thought.

Including Zhou Dage and the two agency personnel, they also looked at him.

Or to be precise, they looked at his eyes.

Ha Ge nodded, then sighed.

"Boss, if your statement is correct... do you mean that I am actually a descendant of genetically modified humans?"

"Yes," the Boss nodded, "I feel you should be a descendant of the ghosts and gods of the Netherworld.

Because according to legend, the ghosts and gods in the Netherworld all have the ability to see through yin and yang, and search for souls and ghosts.

You should have inherited some of their genes."

'As expected.' Zhang Feng understood. So his eyes, which seemed natural, were actually inherited genetic modifications from his ancestors.

At the same time, the Boss suddenly looked at Zhang Feng.

"Guide Zhang, we look at Taoist Priest Ha because we know there's something wrong with his eyes, and we also know some genetic principles, or understand some things about gods and ghosts.

But you look at him like that?"

In his original identity, Zhang Feng was a farmer from the mountains.

And now, facing such complex statements, with ancient and modern interwoven with truth and falsehood.

Normally, Zhang Feng wouldn't understand.

Even if he did, he should be like the security personnel next to him, first falling into extreme shock, then muttering 'impossible'.

This situation would be correct.

But now, Zhang Feng was very calm.

And he had been like a different person the whole way.

All these signs indicate that Zhang Feng is definitely not right.

At the same time, Zhang Feng saw everyone looking at him, and a few even tightened their grip on their firearms.

At this moment.

Seeing that everyone knew the information, and realizing it was hard to hide anymore, Zhang Feng stopped pretending and said directly:

"The current priority is to find the core location of the Netherworld, is that right?"

Zhang Feng had clearly understood, so he got straight to the point.

"Yes," the Boss saw Zhang Feng's aura suddenly change, his words strong and powerful, like a high-ranking official in charge of a region, and for a moment, he couldn't figure it out.

'Could it be that the authorities have noticed us? Is he someone who deliberately infiltrated?'

The Boss was uncertain.

Including Zhou Dage and Ha Ge, they were also a bit unsure.

This was also because Zhang Feng's aura kept changing, coupled with his strange behavior, which had confused them.

However, before they could say anything more.

Zhang Feng estimated that as soon as his physique reached 100 and his five viscera Inner Force also reached 100%, he easily leaped up, using wind elemental spiritual energy, and jumped onto the eight-meter high green stone wall.

This move truly startled everyone.

"I told you... he's a ghost..."

"Guide Zhang... you, you..."

"Did he just jump up there? Or am I seeing things?"

Everyone showed expressions of disbelief, they hadn't expected Zhang Feng to really have a problem, and a big one at that!

Such terrifying skill, a leap that didn't seem human, had already made them despair.

And the few people who were holding guns before had unconsciously lowered them.

Zhang Feng ignored them, instead looking at the cave entrance twenty meters above his head, and then at the people below.

"Whoever wants to go back, I'll send them up, otherwise, taking one step and trembling, by the time we finish exploring here, it will be the year of the monkey and the month of the horse (a very long time)."

Above was the way they came, and below this upper cave entrance was a large pool.

Part of the pool was connected to the maze, and yellowish water had seeped into the maze.

And at the bottom of the pool's center, there were several outlets as thick as arms, ensuring that the water here did not dry up.

But now, looking at the upper cave entrance, and then at the pool.

Finally, while waiting for their answer, Zhang Feng used the view from above, and with the strange illuminating beads around the cave, looked at the dark maze that was over ninety thousand square meters.

"Indeed, you were right, this really is a structural model of the Netherworld.

Or rather, judging by the structure of the Netherworld.

This upper cave entrance is 'Ghost Gate Pass', and the pool below is a simplified version of the 'Forgetfulness River'.

Then this maze should be the 'Yellow Springs Road'.

It's just that the order is wrong.

Normally, it should be Ghost Gate Pass, Yellow Springs Road, Forgetfulness River."

Zhang Feng said, looking around for any dangers.

At the same time, he used spiritual energy to lift all these people up.

"I'm flying..."

As they were lifted up, each wrapped in spiritual energy, their hearts were trembling.

But they also felt a great sense of relief.

Because Zhang Feng seemed to have no ill intentions.

"Thank you, Brother Zhang!" At this moment, someone praised Zhang Feng and said, "If this place is the Netherworld, then our Brother Zhang is a deity!"

"Right!" Most of the others were also praising him.

Only Ha Ge and the others, while shocked by Zhang Feng's skill, were thinking more about Zhang Feng's words just now.

"Zhang... Taoist Priest Zhang, can you solve it?" Ha Ge asked, his gaze, like Zhang Feng's, looking at the vast maze.

Including the Boss and the others as well.

And now that this deity-like Taoist Priest Zhang was in charge, they felt even more hopeful of solving the mystery!

However, the more Zhang Feng looked at the layout here, the more confused he became.

Because its structure was completely wrong, or he had thought wrong just now.

Thinking.

Zhang Feng ignored the expectant gazes of the crowd and looked at the pool and the surrounding area again.

When he looked at the seeped water marks.

Zhang Feng suddenly understood.

"If I'm not mistaken, the path we took inside the mountain before, in the tunnel before we fell, should be the real Yellow Springs Road.

Before entering the mountain was the Ghost Gate Pass."

Zhang Feng said, also knowing where he had been wrong just now, it was that he hadn't included the memories before his arrival.

This was a small problem, testing his mind.

But now, he had seen through it.

At the same time, Zhang Feng also looked at the pool at this moment.

"If my theory is correct.

Then this pool, thousands of years ago, should have covered the entire maze.

Or rather, this maze was filled with this yellowish-brown water.

As for the solution to this maze, it's not about walking through it, nor is it about finding an exit inside.

Because it is enclosed, it is constantly 'cycling'.

And in mythology, if a person wants to see their loved one in the next life, they can choose not to drink the Meng Po soup.

But they must jump into the Forgetfulness River and wait for a thousand years before they can reincarnate.

And this maze is the Forgetfulness River.

There are countless lonely souls and wild ghosts trapped within it for a thousand years."

Zhang Feng said, looking down at his feet.

"If we follow the layout of the Netherworld, we should walk on top of the maze, along the top of the walls.

Because this is very likely the 'Bridge of Helplessness' over the Forgetfulness River.

It's just that Meng Po is gone.

But as long as we follow the Bridge of Helplessness, we can see the end of the Netherworld, the six paths of reincarnation."